2013: Celtics' Year of Endings & Beginnings

It's that time of the year when we all reflect what 2013 meant to all of us. As Celtics fans, we've had a fair share of ups and downs. These last 12 months have probably been the hardest in recent years because of the many changes that the Celtics went through and you can't help but think about 'what could have been.' It's only human nature to think in such a manner when things happen that are out of our control but nonetheless here's a few highlights and low-lights of this past year for the Celtics.



January 27, 2013: Celtics vs Heat (TD Garden, Rondo learns he has a torn ACL)

Even after starting the season 21-23, Celtics fans still had hope that the slow start only meant more rest for aging superstars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett for a playoff run. After a loss to the Atlanta Hawks two nights before when they had squandered a 27-point lead that went into double overtime, Rajon Rondo believed he had hyper-extended his knee or pulled a hamstring in the same game against the Hawks. Little did he know, he needed further tests to determine what indeed was wrong with his right knee. After being a late-game scratch from the lineup, Courtney Lee started in place of Rondo on the Sunday afternoon game against the defending champion Miami Heat.

It's a day we won't forget anytime soon, as the game went back and fourth, news began to spread that the Celtics floor leader had indeed torn his ACL and would require immediate surgery, ending his season. By halftime the rumor was confirmed to be fact. After Rajon returned to the Garden to a standing ovation, the Celtics pulled out a double-overtime win 100-98 to beat the Heat on a day that some began to consider the beginning of the end of the new 'Big 3' era. Despite the blow to the team, Doc Rivers believed his team could still compete come April.

Three days later while the Celtics were playing the Kings, Jared Sullinger left the game in the first quarter because he was complaining about having back spasms. He was taken to a hospital where he found out he would require back surgery to repair a lumbar disk and would miss the reminder of the season.

February 10, 2013: Celtics vs Nuggets (Triple OT Sunday win at the Garden)

Boston shot 39.8% from the field and were out rebounded 65-61 against the Denver Nuggets as the NBA's two hottest teams clashed on a Sunday afternoon at the Garden. The Celtics had won six in a row and Denver was on a current nine-game winning streak. It was the wildly vets who found the fountain of youth for the Celtics. Jason Terry made a huge three-pointer (26 points off the bench) and made a defensive stop to end the game.

While KG played a season high 47 minutes and made clutch jumpers in the OT and added 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. But the player of the game was Paul Pierce. Pierce did his best Rondo impression when he went for 27 points, 14 rebounds and dished out 14 assists for a triple-double while playing 54 minutes in a 118-114 win at home. They went on to expend their streak to 7-0 in Rondo's absense and they found themselves moving on up in the standing as well.


The following night in Charlotte while playing the Bobcats, Leandro Barbosa injured himself on a drive to the hoop. It was determined that he torn his ACL and would miss the rest of the season. Another hit to the team's backcourt.

April 26, 2013: Celtics vs Knicks (0-3 & on the brink of elimination)

Boston went 16-6 in its first 22 games without Rondo but with the playoffs looming and Doc wanting to rest Pierce and Garnett, the Celtics finished 5-11 in their last 16 games and finished the season 41-40 (21-17 overall without Rondo). It was good enough for the seventh seed and a series match up with the second seeded New York Knicks. After losing the first two games at Madison Square Garden, the Celtics looked to bounce back at home in game three. It was the first Celtics game at TD Garden since the Boston Marathon bombings. At a time when the city needed to be uplifted, the boys in Green could not even score 80 points, losing 90-76 and were down 3-0. The only solace going into game four was the fact that Knicks forward J.R. Smith, who was ejected from the game would also be suspended for throwing an elbow to Jason Terry.


Two days later at TD Garden, the Celtics heard the message loud and clear: 'Win for the City.' Terry led the troops by scoring his team's last nine points in an overtime win, 97-90, sending the series back to New York and avoiding a sweep. Boston led by as much as 20 points, while Pierce played his best game of the series, adding 29 points.

On May 1, New York planned to end the series at home. The team went as far as wearing funeral attire, dressing in all black as they wanted to send a message to the Celtics that on this day its season would indeed be 'dead.' But Boston, were inspired from its game four win, had their most balanced game of the series. As five Celtics finished in double figures, including KG who chipped in with 16 points, hauled down 18 rebounds and dished out five assists, beating the Knicks 92-86 and forced a game six back in Beantown.

May 3, 2013: Celtics vs Knicks (Pierce and Garnett's last game as a Celtic)

Celtics were down 3-2 to the Knicks and were trying to become the first team in NBA history to win a series after being down 3-0, while New York was trying to close out Boston and win a playoff series for the first time in 13 years. Game six started off a lot like the first three games of the series. Celtics were down 21-5 in the first quarter. Pierce had gone one-for-nine from three point land and committed five turnovers. By the fourth quarter the Knicks were up 75-49 and all seemed lost until Boston went on a 20-0 run and left the Knicks scoreless for 4:43.

After a couple of defensive stops by Avery Bradley and free throws by Jeff Green, Knicks only led by four points, 79-75. Celtics were poised for a comeback but unfortunately Pierce missed a quick three-pointer from the top of the key and was also stripped (what looked like a foul) going to the hole. In the end it was not enough firepower to force a game seven back at MSG, Celtics lost the game, 88-80 and their season was over.


Some began to speculate if this game was indeed Pierce's last in a Celtics uniform as it was time for Danny to make a decision.

June 23, 2013: Doc's Swan Song (It's official, Rivers is heading to LA-LA land)

After weeks of speculating if Doc was leaving Boston or not, it was announced that after nine season with the Celtics (two trips to the NBA Finals and a championship), Rivers was let out of the remaining three years of his contract to coach the Los Angeles Clippers. He was set to make the same amount of approximately $21 million for the next three seasons, and also serve as the team's general manager of the franchise. Rivers' 417 wins made him the coach with the third best wins in Celtics history. In return, Boston received a 2015 first round pick as compensation. Celtics fans were left wondering how this all went down and why?


June 28,2013: NBA Draft Night (trades and picks)

The Celtics had the 16th pick in the draft but Danny decided to trade up with the Dallas Mavericks for the 13th pick in exchange for Boston's two future second round draft picks. Celtics selected Kelly Olynyk out of Gonzaga. Rumors regarding a trade involving Pierce and Garnett proved to be true when Danny Ainged pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal that sent the two future hall of famers along with Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Gerald Wallace, Marshon Brooks, Kris Humpries and Keith Bogans. The deal included draft picks from BK ( in 2014, 2016 & 2018).

With loaded talent coming in next year's draft class, some perceive the Celtics will want to 'tank' the season while Rondo recovers from ACL surgery to get a high lottery pick. Only time will tell what Ainge has up his sleeve.

July 12, 2013: Pierce, KG, JET are offically introduced as Nets (Hello Brooklyn)

After 15 seasons in green, The Truth held up a Brooklyn Nets jersey and said how excited he is to start a new chapter in his career. Kevin Garnett talks about how Pierce had to convince him to come to Brooklyn and that this was their best opportunity to win one more title. Ultimately they both mentioned their desire to end their careers in Boston, but it just wasn't meant to be. It was truly a sad day for Celtics Nation...

October 1, 2013: Media Day/Traning Camp (It's a New Day)

Not much hype or noise on this day like in years past, especially because there aren't big expectations for this team. Brad Stevens named Avery Bradley as his starting point guard until Rondo returns. Everyone seemed pretty positive, even Danny about the upcoming 'rebuilding' season. 

All players made it clear, no one is here to 'tank' this year!

October 30, 2013: Opening Night in Toronto (To 'tank' or not to 'tank'?)

After a 2-6 preseason finish and multiple starting lineups, the Celtics opened their season north of the border versus the Toronto Raptors. It was Brad Stevens' official NBA debut. The Celtics loss 93-87, and were without their power forward Jared Sullinger. Sully was suspended for one game by the team for being arrested and charged with domestic violence stemming from a September 3rd incident. All charges were later dropped.

Boston would go on to lose the next three games, starting the season 0-4 before getting their coach his first win in the pros on Nov. 6 against Utah and his former protege Gordon Hayward. The Celtics beat the Jazz 97-87 at home, and coach Stevens inserted Jordan Crawford as the starting point guard and swapped Sullinger for Gerald Wallace, two moves that would later became permanent. 

November 9, 2013: Celtics vs Heat (The 'Miami Miracle')

After beating the Jazz and Magic in the three days, Boston was looking to win three in a row and knock off the champs in the process. With several lead changes the entire game, it seemed the Heat would take the lead for good when they went up seven with less than two minutes remaining in the game. LeBron made two free throws to give Miami a 110-106 lead and a quick Gerald Wallace layup led to Dwayne Wade being fouled with less than one second left. 

After a missed free throw, Mr. Wade figured he would try to miss the second one on purpose to end the game. Except he hit noting but backboard, giving the Celtics a chance to either tie the game and send it to OT, or win it with a three-pointer. With only 0.4 seconds remaining on the clock and down 110-108, Brad Steven drew up the play of all plays. On a perfect inbound pass from Wallace to Jeff Green on the right corner behind the arc, a shot that was even out of reach of James's hands, Green hit a game-winning three-pointer. Boston had beat Miami 111-110 and The Miracle on South Beach was completed. 

December 4, 2013: Celtics vs Bucks (Third Time is a Charm)

Boston played 19 games in 30 days, including six back-to-backs in the month of November and went 7-12 in that span. No other NBA team had reached 19 games by the end of November. The Celtics finally beat the Bucks at home after three tries 108-100, and grabbed first place in the Atlantic Division at 8-12 where they would remain for the next three weeks.

December 8, 2013: Celtics vs Knicks (The Start of Reunion Week)

Reunion week for the Celtics began with a 114-73 victory. A 41-point win at MSG vs the Knicks on a Sunday afternoon, was the largest win by any team in the NBA this season. Two days later Boston headed to Brooklyn where they faced KG and Paul Pierce for the first time since the blockbuster trade between the two teams. Pierce came back from a broken hand helped beat his former team 104-96 at the Barclay Center.

On Wednesday Dec. 11 Doc Rivers made his first comeback to the TD Garden for the first time since leaving to coach the Clippers. The place where he called home for nine seasons received him with open arms, that included a video tribute and three standing ovations. Even after he openly admitted that he did indeed walk away from the Celtics, the Garden faithful couldn't forget all the great things he accomplished while coaching in Boston. Doc also went on to say that the best decision he ever made was the day he agreed to coach the Celtics. The Clippers beat Boston 98-88 on an emotional night.

Boston would end the week by beating the Knicks again, this time at the Garden 90-86. After blowing a 20 point lead and being down by double figures in the fourth quarter, they came back to beat their division rivals. They finish their week 2-2, by beating the Knicks twice in five days.

Decemeber 14, 2013: Rajon Cleared for Practice (Rondo watch is offically on)

After weeks of wondering when and if Rondo would be ready to come back, doctors gave the 'OK' for the veteran point guard to participate in full contact practice. The floor leader has been sidelined for almost 12 months since tearing his ACL and recovering from surgery. 

Impromtu scrimmages after practices, and workouts before games having become the norm for Rajon, even before he was physically able to return. A late January return seems to be the target and maybe a trip to the D-League might be in order to complete the rehab. In any case, it's good to see the year start and end with Rondo, who looks like he has been hitting the weight room hard as well.

Despite trade rumors and all the changes we as Celtics' fans have witnessed, the future looks bright regardless of how this current seasons ends. Boston is currently 13-18 and one game out of first place in the Atlantic division. All things considered, I believe the sky is the limit for this team, especially once Rondo returns. I hope you have enjoyed a look back on this very fasinating year for the C's. From all of us here on Causeway Street, we would like to wish you all a very safe and Happy New Year! We will see you in 2014, where anything can happen, and we difinetly see big things coming. As always we will try our hardest to continue to give you the best, we thank you once agian for all the support... much love and blessings to everyone in the New Year!

Joel Pavón

Doc Rivers and the Celtics Have Reached the Point of No Return

The on again - off again Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett trade between the Celtics and Clippers seems to be on life support for the second time in a week. You can look at this blockbuster trade rumor in a number of different ways. It certainly would help both teams if it goes through, but the road blocks in this deal may have seriously damaged both sides.

If the you're the Clippers, you're at a make or break time with your franchise. You are relevant for the first time in decades, but the main reason why you are having your new found success, Chris Paul, is an impending free agent. If he walks your right back to number 8 in the Los Angeles sports market. That's right 8th. If Chris Paul leaves the Clippers would most certainly behind the Lakers, Dodgers, Angels, Kings, Sparks, Galaxy, and whatever rumored NFL franchise is moving to L.A this week. Yep, right behind a team that doesn't exist.

So wouldn't you do everything you can to keep that player who means so much to your franchise? Wouldn't you jump at the chance to get the best coach in the Eastern Conference and a perennial all star and future hall of famer in Kevin Garnett? Well as long as you don't lose a key piece off your roster, right?

Well insert Donald Sterling here. Now, don't forget this is the worst owner in all of sports, never mind the NBA. He makes Jeffery Loria of the Miami Marlins look like George Steinbrenner.

This is the same guy that traded an unprotected first round draft pick for Mo Williams. Great trade, since the return from that draft pick, that for some reason they didn't Top 10 protect, turned into some chump named Kyrie Irving. And thats just his inepititude to run a pro basketball team, not even going to get into the lawsuits that are piling up against him. 

Yeah, so keep that in perspective, you're dealing with a MORON, A DESPICABLE RACIST MORON.

But c'mon if you can improve your team right now, and it's obvious you need to improve your team, the guy cant be that stupid right? Well, you guessed it wrong.

I can see not wanting to part ways with Eric Bledsoe, who the Celtics have coveted for going on a year now. Even though he is the backup of the guy you would actually make the trade to please. But, I get it, good young talent is hard to find. The Celtics are only asking for DeAndre Jordan and two first round draft picks now, for a future HOF Power Forward, and a franchise changing coach. Too good to be true if you are the Clippers.

L.A. gives up a guy who was in the doghouse last year because of his ineffectiveness on the offensive end, lack of consistency, awful free throw shooting, and had a knack of picking up bad fouls. Yes, Jordan is a good, young center with size and athleticism, but you are paying him alooooot of money over the next year.

You also have to give up two first round picks, but again who cares? You're building a team for a championship right now, and this trade will improve your roster, and convince Chris Paul to sign. It's a no brainer.

Again, the genius Donald Sterling is so much smarter than everyone else, he stalls, and vetoes the trade.
A typical Sterling move. My main question is what the heck is Danny Ainge thinking trying to deal with this guy. Maybe if he keeps asking, Sterling will say yes and include Bledsoe??? I'm not ruling anything out, this Sterling is a maniac.

And on the flip side, if the trade goes through the Celtics would get something out Doc and KG. This would jump start a much needed rebuilding process. It's tough to think about a Celtics team minus it's heart and soul, KG, and mastermind behind it all in Doc, but the writing is on the wall.

The major downfall about this whole mess of a trade scenario, is what happens if it doesn't go through.  It would be extremely awkward. Doc has been pretty mum on the issue that he could be out the door, and has never committed to the Celtics since the end of the season. He's big timing the Celtics right now. Doc would have to go back to coaching a team, that by his actions has made very clear, he does not think have a legitimate chance to win. If he thought that they did he wouldn't be trying to sneak out the back door, and out of the remainder of his five-year deal. 

Doc can't come back now. All of this talk has not been ignored by Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger , Avery Bradley, and Rajon Rondo. The core of the team moving forward, assuming Pierce and Garnett are no longer with the team.  They have a coach who over the years they have done everything for, now he's not showing the same respect back. Doc's given up on the Celtics young talent and it's obvious.

Not only that but other teams will come out of the wood work knowing that the Celtics are desperate. Ainge will have to decide whether to just deal to the next suitor to end the situation and get something, even if it is not market value. The trade with the Clippers makes sense, both teams would be happy but now its an extremely ugly situation.

So there is a scheduled press conference for noon today. I don't know what Doc can say at this point. Right now the deal is rumored off, or stalled, or whatever, but the damage has been done.  The Celtics and Doc Rivers have reached the point of no return.

-Sean Dutra
@seandutra on twitter

Celtics Mock Draft Room Pt. III : Finding a Cure for the Rebounding Plauge

It's no secret. The Boston Celtics most glaring weakness over the past few years has been a lack of rebounding.  The stats are alarming. (Read the following at your own risk)

2009- 2010: Total Rebounds - 3165 (29th)  Offensive Rebounds -716 (30th)
2010- 2011: TRB- 3181 (29th)  ORB - 639 (30th)
2011- 2012  TRB-  2560 (30th)  ORB- 509 (30th)
2012- 2013 TRB-  3187 (29th)  ORB- 654 (30th)

BRUTAL.

The rebounding deficiencies of this team haven't necessarily translated in to sub-par seasons. In 2009 when they finished second to last in total rebounding and last in offensive rebounding, they were within eight minutes of an NBA Championship. Since that day, and the largely criticized Kendrick Perkins trade months afterward, the Celtics have started to see just how a lack of rebounding can negatively effect your season.

So there is no question the need is there, but there is the question is whether the C's will address this need in the upcoming draft. Last year, Danny Ainge did do just that, drafting Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo. Sullinger seems to be panning out into exactly the player they need minus the injury concerns, but the jury is still out on the Fab Melo, as he spent most of the season in the D-League.

If the Celtics do go the route of a big man in the draft, they need to go with someone who has the potential to contribute right away. The rebounding plague that haunts this team is not going to cure itself, and they cannot afford to wait three years for a big man to mature.

Whatever way the Celtics decide to go, the fact is the draft is deep with size, and there should be a few 7-footers available for the Celtics at 16, lets take a look.

Mason Plumlee : Duke 6'11" 240 lbs  Senior
2012 Stats: 17 ppg 10 rpg 1.4 bpg

Duke has always produced successful big men to the NBA level. Is Plumlee the next in line?

He was extremely consistent over his four years of playing for Coach K.  Plumlee
is stocked with pure athleticism. He also has no problem mixing it up down low and has a knack for getting those tough rebounds.

His offensive game is pretty basic.  He has a decent mid range jumper, but can certainly dunk the ball and is consistently there for put backs. Defensively, he has solid size and intangibles that would really fit the Celtics needs down low.

His brother Miles, is currently on the Pacers and really struggled to get into any games this season. Mason is projected to be a more impact player.

Likelihood Mason Plumlee will be available at 16: Chances are good here. Plumlee has been projected  in the late lottery. If a few picks go the other way he could be available for the Celtics who sit just outside the Lottery at 16.

NBA Comparison - Well his brother Miles would be a pretty accurate comparison seeing as they have the  same Plumlee blood flowing through their veins, but Mason is a lot more talented. I would say his ceiling would be a David West type guy, a lot of grit and athleticism.


Gorgui Dieng  Louisville  6'11" 230  Junior
9.8ppg 9.4 rpg 2.5 bpg

Dieng, a key piece to the Louisville National Championship run this year,  is probably the best NBA prospect from the top college team in the country.

He is a beast in the paint and has shown significant improvements over his 3 seasons playing in the Big East. 

Dieng has the potential to be a defensive force in the NBA. He is long and has shown the natural instinct to be a professional shot blocker.  As a sophomore he was averaging 3.3 blocks per game, and 2.8 as a junior.

The Celtics could use a guy who will fill the gap for the inevitable retirement of Kevin Garnett over the next few years. Dieng is not KG in the least bit offensively or as a leader, but the defense and rebounding he could bring to the table would help replace that portion of his game. Plus, the thought of Sullinger and Dieng, or Plumlee for that matter,  as the future of the front court would certainly help the major rebounding need for the C's

Likelihood of Gorgui Dieng being available: High.  Dieng is valued at a mid to low first round pick. There are a lot of big men who look to be projects with a higher ceiling that will probably be taken off the board prior. You get what you see with this guy and will be ready to contribute right away.

NBA Comparison :  Festus Ezuli. Reminds me a lot of the rookie from last year who was able to truly make his name on the Warriors this year with his presence down low.

This draft is full of 7-footers with a lot of potential. After drafting Fab Melo last year, it would be wise for the Celtics to stay away from any projects. Including the likes of Lucas Nogueira , Rudy Gobert, or Steven Adams. They may turn out to be better players than Dieng and Plumlee but from all accounts are 2-3 years away, plus Fab Melo all ready has the D-League center spot wrapped up.


-Sean Dutra

@seandutra on twitter